Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This study shows that soils in the landscape reÞect past management practices and can thus
provide a treasure of information to the soil scientist. Using soil classiÝcation and soil maps as a
means of stratiÝcation, one can obtain more speciÝc results, compared to a hypothetical situation
in which the landscape is sampled at random, without beneÝting from stratiÝcation made possible
by soil classiÝcation. This procedure clearly presents an alternative to complex generic deterministic
simulation models, and can also be used to predict organic matter contents. We recommend that
more studies be done on different conditions in a given soil type, with the objective of relating
these conditions to different types of documented management or land-use practices of the past.
Once such relations are established, they allow predictions to be made about the effects of different
types of management. This is important information for many users, and represents a signiÝcant
step beyond deÝning relative suitabilities of a given soil type for a given type of land use, which
is the classic mode of soil survey interpretation.
The Importance of Communication
Soil classiÝcation has a somewhat dusty image both inside and outside soil science. This can be
improved by demonstrating the signiÝcance of using soil classiÝcation as a means to stratify soil
information. Rather than talk about soils in general, we talk about soil units, which occur in charac-
teristic spots in the landscape and which are constituted by a unique combination of soil properties.
So far, such properties have been expressed mostly in terms of classic soil survey interpretations,
which list relative suitabilities of soils for a wide variety of uses. The modern user of soil information
wants more. He or she does not look for a judgment, but for indications as to which options are
realistic when dealing with various types of land use (e.g., Bouma, 2000; 2001). Such options can
be listed for any soil series, providing a window of opportunity that is characteristic for each soil
series. Modern land-use problems indicate that the old paradigm that Ñanything can be done anywhereÒ
does not apply anymore. ConÞicting demands have to be balanced, and soil information showing the
options for different soil series can be very important, because non-soil scientists tend to lump all
soils together, considering areas to be developed as blank sheets of paper. Communication of soil
information, perhaps in the format of ÑThe Story of [the Miami silt loam]Ò could be a means to
freshen up the image of soil science to a broad audience, certainly when it includes speciÝc examples
of the effects of different types of management on soil properties as described above.
CONCLUSIONS
1.
Even though classiÝcation systems will evolve further as more information becomes available, we
should temporarily stop further modiÝcations of these systems, and focus more strongly on using
the available classiÝcations, applying them as a medium to stratify soil information for a wide
range of modern applications.
2.
Plant and animal scientists have moved on from taxonomy to process-studies and biotechnology.
We should follow this example by emphasizing process-studies in soils in a landscape context,
and by studying real and potential effects of different types of management within a given type
of soil.
3.
Taxonomy has increasingly become a two-dimensional pedon-oriented activity. We should go back
to our roots and consider dynamic three-dimensional landscape processes, and recall the intense
interaction with stakeholders that was an essential ingredient of soil survey. The latter is crucial
for communicating effectively with our modern stakeholders.
4.
Effects of different management practices on any given type of soil are out there to be observed
in the Ýeld. Such observations should be made more often. Together with process-studies
supported by simulation modeling, they can provide unique and characteristic windows of
opportunity for every soil type, and will be effective in communicating our expertise to our
many customers.
